By Olayemi Esan
The newly appointed Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, has called on the Nigerian media to guide against sensational reportage which can undermine national security.
Maj. -Gen Sawyerr gave the charge while taking over as the new spokesman in a brief ceremony on Friday, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The DDI who described the media as a vital component in the entire process of any campaign for conventional or asymmetric warfare, solicited the media support towards jettisoning sensational headlines that give undue publicity to perpetrators of criminal acts that tend to undermine national security.
He however urged the media to be objective, fair and balanced in their reportage.
Sawyerr further explained his responsibilities as Defense imagemaker to include projecting and galvanizing media and citizens' support for all military operations.
He assured that security challenges facing the country would in no distant time be a thing of the past, citing positive results emanating from the theatres of operation.
He commended the Deputy Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore Wap Martin Maigida for piloting the affairs of the Directorate while acting as Defence spokesman.
He pledged to leverage on the successes recorded as well as the experience gathered over the years to bear on the new role.
The immediate past Acting DDI, Air Cdre Maigida, earlier in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the CDS for his unflinching support.
He commended the media, particularly, the Defence Correspondents for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout his tenure and urged them to redouble their efforts in projecting the positive image of the AFN in the quest of ensuring national security.
Until his recent appointment, Maj Gen Sawyerr was the Commandant Nigerian Army Armour School, in Bauchi State.
